Enjoying a Stay in Split, Croatia

Croatia is rapidly overtaking Italy as a terrific and more affordable country to visit in Europe. Split has much of the beauty and culture which has made Italy such a popular destination. This seaport city features a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

You might start your visit at the information booth located just inside the wall of the Diocletian's Palace complex. Get information on what to see and do in and around Split..Burchase the Split Card to get free admission and/or discounts to most of this 1700 year old city's main attractions. The palace is free to enter but they have fees to see the cathedral treasures and to walk to the top of the tower. Both the cathedral and the tower were added to the palace centuries after the palace was first built and is well worth the time and cost to view these. There is also a shop, a museum, and restaurants plus an outdoor market located just outside the palace walls.

Stroll through the Old City's narrow cobbled streets, with its many cafés, bars and little shops. Look up to see laundry from the city's residents hanging from above you. Men wearing historical Roman military garb will be seen walking around the Roman ruins. Be sure to sample some authentic Croatian dishes specialties from the street stalls and cafes. Kebabs and pizza will be readily available. Many places serve pasta specialties along with Balkan dishes Make sure to enjoy a Bosnian specialty known as cevepcici (or cevapcici). This is veal, lamb and/or beef meat rolls (sausage), grilled and usually accompanied by a red pepper sauce called Ajvar. Local seafood is plentiful and usually is excellent.

Visit the Mestrovic Gallery, a world reknown sculptor who once made his home there.This gallery features a stone crucifix and a collection of statues sculpted in bronze, marble and stone as well as a stone crucifex. Ivan Mestrovic is considered one of the most important sculptors of the last century. You'll also find eight of his famed bronze statues in the gardens at the gallery.

Bacvice is Split's main beach, and just short walk east of town. It's frequented by both locals and tourists, and is surrounded by various restaurants and bars. Bacvice Beach has won the blue flag award for both cleanliness and its environmental management. There are lifeguards (in season), lockers and showers, rental facilities, and food service. Come nighttime, this beach area is lively with and nightclubs and partygoers often dancing until dawn.

Marmontova Ulica (street) is the primary main shopping district for the latest trends. Here you'll find jewelry, shoes, and designer clothing. Check out the jewelry created from Adriatic red coral that is harvested by licensed divers. However, there are fakes readily sold, so buy only from a reputable source. Other locally produced items include locally produced wines and olive oil, local wines plus a myriad of souvenirs. More inexpensive souvenirs can be found at the open-air market.

There are many places to stay in Croatia from large hotels to private apartments. The hotels are considered to be much nicer than most of the private accommodations. Many hotels have restaurants and spas on the property; a breakfast buffet is usually included in the price. Internet access and telephones are usually offered in the guestrooms.